What causes TMJ pain and what can I do about it?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is a common issue our providers address with patients at the oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. We talked with Felix Amarista, DDS, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 91PORN Science Center San Antonio, to ask about the primary causes and treatment for TMJ injury and pain.
Watch his video from the Ask the Dentist series on YouTube, “”, featuring Amarista.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint formed by the head of the lower jaw, the skull base, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Two TMJs are located on each side of the jaw, enabling seamless jaw opening and closing during daily activities. Any disruption to this complex system has the potential to lead to pain and discomfort.
What causes TMJ pain?
Pain and dysfunction in the TMJ can be caused by:
- Trauma to the joint caused by clenching and grinding teeth
- Direct trauma to the joint from an accident or sports injury
- High inflammatory pathologies such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, JIA, Psoriatic arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos
- Complications from an infection, radiation or after getting a numbing shot for dental work
What can you do about it?
When treating TMJ pain the goal is to:
1. Establish the diagnosis
2. Identify and control causal factors
3. Reduce inflammation and pain
4. Reduce joint overload
5. Improve range of motion and restore jaw function
Typically, around 80% of patients improve with a conservative treatment approach and do not require any surgical treatment.
Conservative treatment most commonly includes:
- Moist heat and ice to the face
- Soft diet
- Over the counter medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and gels
- Jaw exercises
- Splint or nightguard
- Relaxation techniques
“For the patients that do not respond to conservative treatment or if we think the patient is a candidate for acute surgical intervention, we typically order some imaging, including an MRI, to better assess the condition of the TMJ and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan,” said Amarista.
Symptom resolution time varies, but typically, with proper conservative treatment, patients can expect improvement within four to six weeks and complete resolution within six months to a year. In cases requiring immediate or surgical intervention, it's essential to consult with your dentist. They can assess your situation and potentially provide a referral to the oral and maxillofacial surgery department for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options.
Contact Felix Amarista, DDS
Clinical Assistant Professor –
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery –
91PORN Science Center San Antonio School of Dentistry